CREATING IS LIFE -- METH IS DEATH

In Meth, a new play staged by Headlines Theatre, the actors onstage
are former addicts, as well as people affected by addiction.

"The origin of theatre is people getting together to tell stories, and
to articulate their triumphs and defeats," says David Diamond,
artistic director of Headlines Theatre. "Now we pay to watch strangers
tell us stories about other strangers' lives. Stories have become
commodities." Diamond creates and directs Forum Theatre -- an
audience-interactive approach that originated in Brazil.

Diamond begins his process with an intensive six day Theatre for
Living workshop. Twenty participants use theatre techniques to
discover how creating images with their bodies, archetypes can move
from the unconscious into understanding. The material gathered by the
workshop is used for the play. The play is then created, and performed
by a cast of six workshop participants, supported by a team of
designers and technicians.

When the play reaches the hall it is performed once (approximately 25
minutes). Then, it is performed a second time with an invitation to
the audience. If you understand the character struggle, or have an
idea to promote healthy community: you can come on to the stage and
try it. The stage is a lab: What happens if I do X or Y? It is a
rehearsal for life; a safe place to practise strategies for complex
situations. This approach, says Diamond, creates problem solving "from
the grassroots up, rather than the top down."

Headlines enthusiastically invites all ages, walks of life and
cultures.

Meth runs at the Japanese Hall, 475 Alexander Street, November 30 to
December 3, and December 6 to 10. Performances are pay-what-you-can.
Information and reservations at 604-871-0508.